Flu season in Tennessee brings first child death

Free flu vaccinations are available

Jan. 9, 2014

A child in Tennessee has died from flu complications, the Tennessee Department of Health said. Pictured are flu vaccines at a public health clinic in Nashville. / John Partipilo / File / The Tennessean

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The Tennessean

The first child death in Tennessee from the 2013-14 flu season has occurred, the Tennessee Department of Health said Wednesday.

The state tracks deaths among people younger than 18 and pregnant women, then reports those numbers to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For privacy reasons, the state agency does not release information about where the death occurred.

Nine other people from Nashville and its surrounding counties have died from complications of the flu this season, and deaths also are being reported from the Cumberland Region.

With the same strain in wide circulation that caused a pandemic in 2009, health officials in Tennessee are urging more people to get flu vaccinations. The Tennessee Department of Health is removing an obstacle for people who have not gotten vaccinated. This week, officials decided to begin offering free vaccinations to people who cannot afford to pay for them.

The Meharry Medical College 12 South Community Clinic also is offering free flu vaccinations on Thursday evenings.

The service is available without anyone inquiring about income or insurance status. People can either walk in between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursdays or call 615-378-7585 to make an appointment. The clinic is at 1501 12th Ave. S. in Nashville.